The UK Playwork National Occupational Standards (NOS) Consortium has opened the sector‑wide consultation on the draft Playwork NOS. This consultation marks a major milestone in the long‑term effort to strengthen and modernise the standards that underpin playwork qualifications, training and professional expectations across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
As a member of the Consortium, The Playwork Foundation strongly encourages practitioners, managers, trainers, organisations and partners to take part. See the latest information sheet below:
The review is being carried out by the UK Playwork NOS Consortium – consisting of Play Wales, Play Scotland, PlayBoard Northern Ireland, Play England and The Playwork Foundation – working closely with the four Playwork Education and Training Councils (PETCs). The Consortium has been meeting since 2021 to plan strategically for the future of workforce development and sector skills.
The formal review process began in early 2025. Since then, the Consortium has:
- RAG‑rated all existing NOS
- Identified standards requiring revision or replacement
- Drafted new standards across three job roles
- Developed a new Functional Map
- Produced a comprehensive Glossary to support clarity and consistency
This work has been shaped by research, scoping exercises and conversations with playworkers and playwork organisations. Key themes emerging from this engagement include:
- a focus on playwork as an approach – playworking
- recognition that playwork happens in many places and spaces
- the need for streamlined, clearer standards
- reaffirmation that the Playwork Principles remain intrinsic to all NOS
The draft suite includes standards for:
- Support Playworker
- Playworker
- Playwork Manager
Additional optional units include:
- food and drink provision
- travel outside the setting
- playwork constructions
- additional support needs
- leadership preparation
- community development
- quality assurance
- financial management
- recruitment
Alongside the draft NOS, the Consortium has produced a glossary to support shared understanding across Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It includes definitions for key concepts like:
- Accessible play spaces – “barrier‑free… offering participation opportunities for a range of differing abilities”
- Additional support needs – recognising that needs may be short-term, long-term or intermittent, and do not require a diagnosis.
- Inclusive playwork practice – removing physical, social, cultural and organisational barriers so all children can shape their own play.
- Playwork approach – “supporting and facilitating play as described by the Playwork Principles”
- Observation, reflection and reflective practice – central processes for understanding and supporting children’s play.
The Glossary also acknowledges variations in terminology across Great Britain and Northern Ireland and provides clarity where multiple terms are in use.
How to Take Part
Complete the consultation response form.
Open from 9 March to 1 May 2026.
You can access the draft NOS, Functional Map and Glossary via:
Consultation Webinars
The Consortium is hosting webinars across the four nations to:
- explain the review process
- explore the Functional Map
- discuss the draft standards
- gather early feedback
If you cannot attend your respecgtive session, you are welcome to join any of the others.
Webinar dates:
| Nation | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | 18/03/26 | 10:00–12:00 |
| Wales | 18/02/26 | 13:00–15:00 |
| England | 24/03/26 | 18:30–20:30 |
| Northern Ireland | 27/03/26 | 10:00–12:00 |
The Playwork Foundation will host a catch-all session in April based on the feedback and participation at each of the national play organisations’ events, and to take a multi-national perspective.
Then what?
After the consultation closes, the Consortium and Writing Group will:
- review all feedback
- refine and finalise the NOS
- publish a consultation report
- release the final NOS in June 2026, in Welsh and English
Awarding Bodies and Awarding Organisations will then begin re‑mapping or redeveloping playwork qualifications.
Why Your Voice Matters
National Occupational Standards shape:
- qualification frameworks
- training and CPD
- job descriptions
- organisational policies
- workforce development strategies
This review is a rare opportunity for the sector to shape the standards that will define playwork practice across Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Playwork Foundation encourages all practitioners, organisations and partners to take part.
Your insight, experience and expertise are essential.
For questions about the consultation or webinars, contact: nosreview@play.wales
The Playwork Foundation 